Share 4 Somethings

Today I'm joining Jenn for Share 4 Somethings.  This is a post to reflect on the month (It's hard to believe October is almost over!) and share some things we loved, some things we learned, some things that went well, and some things we let go of this month. Here we go! 

This month I loved our short trip to Great Wolf Lodge.  I hated that Mackaylan couldn't go with us, but the college girl had things to do. ;) We used to go to GWL every summer with my nephews, my sister and my mom when the girls were younger.  It was the way we kicked off summer.  Then life happened and the kids grew up. This was the first time we had been since Ace was just a few months old. I was worried that Lydia may think she was too old to enjoy it, but they both loved it... and Mickey and I did too!  It was so much fun having fun with each other! 

I also loved a fall night in the hot tub with my girls, celebrating Mickey's birthday, watching Lydia play volleyball, and going to the Renaissance Festival with the family! Anytime we can all be together is my favorite! 

            

          

This month I learned to accept and appreciate help.  After telling Mackaylan every day for a week or two that I was going to decorate for Halloween, she finally asked if she and Quin could just do it for me. Of course, I was so happy for the help.  We were away for a volleyball tournament one Saturday and when we came home that night everything was up and the house looked so festive! My love language is gifts and the both of them taking the initiative and time to do that was like a big "Boo Basket" to me! 

When I think about what went well in the month of October, I think about the week my mom spent with us.  She came and stayed for a week and it was so much fun!  She helps me get my house in tip top shape, makes sure no piece of laundry is left unwashed, and feeds us well every time she is here.  I love the time we get to spend together and do not take it for granted. It was a great week and I can't wait til she comes back to stay again! 

Last, but not least, the thing I (finally) let go of in October was the fun season of summer.  Here in the south, it stayed warm well into the very beginning of October.  I was able to come home most afternoons the months of August/September and enjoy time reading and floating in our pool.  It was the perfect was to unwind from school day, relax, and reset for the rest of the day.  Ace didn't join me very often once school started as he was eager to get home and play video games with his friends so it was essentially just "me" time! 

October is one of my favorite months and this one did not disappoint! 

Fast Forward.... 7 years!

 

It is hard to believe it has been almost 7 years since my last post! Where does the time go?!?

Blogging used to be such an important outlet for me and I definitely let it fall by the wayside as other forms of social media have taken over.  However, I'm ready to return! 

Let's recap the BIG life changes since my last post....

1- In July 2020 we packed up and moved across the state.  It was such a hard decision as we left our small hometown, lifelong friends, church, jobs and familiarity behind for suburban life with lots of new.  As time has gone on it's now hard to imagine being anywhere else. We have settled into new routines, everyone has made new friends, Mickey and I both love our jobs, we have a wonderful church family, and our kids have had lots of experiences they wouldn't have had otherwise. Life in FM is good! 

2- Mackaylan is now 20 and is a junior in college.  She is majoring in Psychology and is rocking young adulthood.  She has met a wonderful guy and they are managing their long-distance relationship like champs! She is hoping to return home and finish her last 2 semesters virtually, but the details to make that happen are still being worked out. 

3- Lydia has just successfully completed her first quarter of high school and is thriving! She made the Varsity Girls Volleyball Team and has grown as an athlete in ways we could've only imagined. School ball will finish up soon, but then we will move on to travel volleyball season.  She has aspirations to play in college and works hard on and off the court to hopefully make that happen.  She keeps us busy, but there is nothing like watching your child excel at something they work so hard at and love. 

4- Ace is in his final year of elementary school.  He is rocking 5th grade and is working hard despite some of his personal challenges that can sometimes make school hard. He is our gamer and loves making videos and YouTube edits.  He loves to draw and is a big anime fan.  He keeps us on our toes, but I can't imagine our family without our "little finale!" 

5- Three years ago we added another member to our family who is furry, rambunctious, and oh so loved! He loves belly rubs and gives the best kisses.  He drives us crazy on the regular begging for food and kidnapping items for treats, but it is definitely hard to imagine life without him.  

6- Mickey and I are both enjoying our jobs.  I am currently a Literacy Coach at the BEST school! I have some of the most wonderful colleagues and consider myself blessed that I love going to work each day. Mickey is a division vice president for a construction company, and while it wasn't the job that moved us to this new area, it is definitely where he was meant to be! 

Of course, those aren't all the changes in the past 7 years, but some of the most important. Life is good and I can't wait to get back to sharing it with you. 

<<BIG SMILE>>

Happy 2019

I love the excitement a new year brings.  It's a clean page.  A time to press restart and do a few things differently.  One thing that I am committing to for this year is to spend less time on social media and use some of that time to blog more consistently. I enjoy the blogging community, the friendships I have developed over the years, and the fact that it enriches my life in ways that other forms of social media cant't do.  I have found that the more time I spend on other forms of social media the more my heart and head are filled with feelings of envy, discontentment, etc. and that is not what I want or need in my life.  

So, what better way to kick-off the new year than with a post of my goals for January.  I saw these categories on a post on Instagram and thought it made a good framework to work within as it encompassed mind, body and spirit.  

Do you make resolutions for the new year?  If so, let me know what they are so we can help hold each other accountable.  Here's to a month of new beginnings and staying committed.  Let's do this!

Wrapping up 2018

Once again another year has come and gone.  It's hard to believe we are in the last few weeks of 2018.  It seems just like yesterday we were trying out best to stay awake to ring in the New Year!  I was going to do a glance back at 2018, but honestly, that is so overwhelming.  So... I will just post a few of our favorite memories from this month as we celebrate the holiday and begin to look forward to 2019.

This year Mackaylan is playing basketball for LMS.  We are loving watching her play and push herself outside of her comfort zone.  She is blessed with wonderful coaches who really are taking time to pour into her to make her the best she can be!  She has started most games and was even chosen as a captain for one of the games so far.  That was definitely a "Proud Mom" moment!  I am looking forward to watching her play and develop the rest of the season.

A few weekends ago we ventured up into the mountains of North Carolina to pick out our Christmas tree for downstairs.  This is a tradition that we all love and we were glad we got it in before the snow storm and my back surgery. 

Speaking of snow... we had a great, big snow at the beginning of December.  The kids loved playing in it, but Mickey wasn't so fond of all the tree work it required.  Fortunately, we never lost power like lots of people in the area so we were able to make the most of a much-needed "pause" before the business of Christmas kicked in! We were out of school for 3 days with this one, but it was worth it.  

This past Sunday Lydia had her Christmas play at LFBC.  She was a narrator and member of the choir.  She did a great job and knocked her lines out of the park!  

This week I am recovering from back surgery.  I had to have a bulging disc removed in my lower back that landed me in the ER 2x in November.  It's not ideal timing, but hopefully by the first of next week I will be feeling more like myself and able to enjoy the holidays with my sweet family.  For now, I am enjoying my comfy blanket, Hallmark Christmas movies, and all the quality time with my family I can get!   

Visit with Santa 2016

Last night we were invited to a neighbor's house for a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  We had such an incredible time!  Once Santa arrived, he and Mrs. Claus answered questions from the kids, made magic snow, read Twas the Night Before Christmas, and gave out gifts!  Ace attended the gathering too, but was more interested in all of the toys in the house than anything Santa had to offer.  Santa made Lydia blush when he busted her on all of her chasing and aggravating boys!  He also told her if she couldn't decide on what she wanted for Christmas that she would end up getting a pack of boy's blue underwear! Needless to say, she quickly remembered what was on her list! Santa agreed that Mackaylan has been a good girl this year and took note of the fact that she wanted an iPod 6 this year.  I can't believe that we are one week away from Christmas!  Here's to a week of family, friends, and lots of fun!